“I Was Struggling a Bit at Home” – Alcaraz on His Setback

Carlos Alcaraz recently opened up about falling ill before his journey to Rotterdam for the 2025 ABN AMRO Open. The Spaniard is set to make his debut at the tournament on Tuesday, February 4.

Alcaraz’s Australian Open Exit and Return to Spain

The 21-year-old was last in action at the Australian Open, where he suffered a 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 quarterfinal defeat to Novak Djokovic on January 21. Following his exit, he returned home to Murcia to rest and spend time with family.

However, things didn’t go as planned. Alcaraz caught a cold upon arriving from Melbourne due to a drastic change in weather. Speaking at his pre-tournament press conference in Rotterdam, he said:

“I took a few days off. I spent a few days at home – different weather; it was tough. I caught a cold.”

The illness limited his training, forcing him to take extra rest.

“So I was struggling a little bit at home. I could practice just two days. And then I had to rest to see if the cold gets better,” he added.

Alcaraz on Family Time Before Rotterdam: “Spending Time at Home Is Always Great”

Even after arriving in Rotterdam, Alcaraz continued to struggle physically. He was spotted wearing a nasal strip to aid his breathing in the city’s cold conditions.

Despite the setback, he remained optimistic, emphasizing the mental boost from reconnecting with his loved ones.

“But I always say spending time at home, doesn’t matter if you’re sick, it’s always great – having your family there.”

“It’s like, you’re fresh mentally to travel again and face another tournament, so that’s what I did.”

Alcaraz Eyes Revenge Against Botic van de Zandschulp

Carlos Alcaraz, the top seed in Rotterdam, is competing for his 17th career title and first indoor hardcourt trophy this week.

He faces a tough opening-round match against Dutch wildcard Botic van de Zandschulp, ranked No. 84.

Notably, in their last meeting at the 2024 US Open, van de Zandschulp shocked Alcaraz with a 6-1, 7-5, 6-4 victory.

Determined to make amends, the Spaniard has already sent out a warning ahead of their rematch on Tuesday:

“I want revenge.”

Can Alcaraz turn things around and kick off his Rotterdam campaign with a win?